The Write Way Café welcomes Suzanne Purvis with solid tips for creating a powerful synopsis.Within the writer community, there’s almost this universal hatred for synopsis writing.Maybe hatred is too strong a word? Maybe not? ;-)But I can hear your collective groans across cyberspace at the mere mention of the word, S-Y-N-O-P-S-I-S.But writing a synopsis is a very necessary part of your submission package.And we all know writing, and especially submitting, isn’t for the weak-minded.Stay strong.There is hope.You can build your writing muscles and learn to write a sizzling, scintillating synopsis that will grab the attention of agents, editors, or contest judges.Let’s take a quick look at. . .What a synopsis is NOT:1.It is not a blow-by-blow summary of every single plot point in your book.2.It is not a back cover blurb.3.It is not a backstory dump.4.It does not introduce every secondary character.5.It is not your main character’s resume.6.It is not a dry list of events.7.It doesn’t include dialogue or paragraphs from your manuscript.What is a synopsis?1.It is a narrative summary of your book written in the voice of your manuscript.2.Its primary purpose is to summarize your story in a way that makes the reader and agent or editor want to read the whole text.3.It is written in present tense.4.It is written in third person–even if your book is written in first.5.It is written in active voice.6.It is told in chronological order from beginning to end, no flashbacks.7.It introduces only your main characters, main conflict, and basic emotional arc.8.It delivers major plot twists and your ending. No cliffhangers allowed.9.It is a skillful weaving of your characters, the stakes, and the major plot events that move your characters from beginning to end.10.It shows the pacing of your novel.11.It should be in the same tone as your novel.An ideal synopsis should be like reading a mini version of your book filled with your voice, emotion, intrigue, and all your exceptional and magical writing talent.

The question I get asked the most often concerning a synopsis is. . .How long should my synopsis be?Sorry to say, there is no universal standard.Agents, editors, publishers, contests has their own specific requirement.You need to check the submission requirements for each submission (usually on the agent, publisher, contest webpage) and tailor your synopsis to fit.I’ve heard of a 200 word synopsis for a specific contest. Yikes--that’s less than a page, but it can be done.A 500 word synopsis is not uncommon: that’s 2 pages double-spaced or one page single-spaced.Three to five pages is another often requested length. Here the length can be anywhere from 750 words to 1250 words if it’s double spaced, but that’s 1500 words to 2500 words single spaced.Up to 10 pages is another requested length and that would be double spaced. Yay, for this one. Offers lots of room to add your voice, rhetorical devices, etc.Here’s a little tip: unless the synopsis is for a contest, the word/page count is a guideline. Most agents and editors aren’t going to stop reading if your synopsis is a little longer, especially if it’s a sizzling and scintillating synopsis. :-) Because the synopsis is often embedded in an email to an agent or editor, the length isn’t a deal breaker--they won’t be counting your words. :-)Again, to find out what size synopsis you require, check the agent’s or publisher’s or contest’s submission requirements to see what length of synopsis they expect.Voice is often overlooked, and under-considered in a synopsis. (You can read about adding voice to your synopsis in my December blog post here.)But there is also the often forgotten aspect of adding emotion to your synopsis.What makes a NOVEL mesmerizing are the emotions that accompany the characters’ actions.Emotions like fear, hope, excitement, anticipation, disappointment, etc.The same is true for your synopsis.When you’re writing your synopsis, look for ways to add the emotions surrounding your characters in the situation and at each turn of events.

Here’s an example from Sandra Tilley’s synopsis for her work-in-progress Dead Man Falling

Guilt and regret torture FBI agent, Mark Penrose. He and the Agency share dual responsibility for exploiting his ex-wife's medical expertise, but he’s solely accountable for breaking Sydney's heart. Now he’s willing to risk his job and his life for a second chance.

Sandra uses strong, powerful words. Do you see and feel the emotion?

Guilt, regret, torture. Wow.

Look at some of her other strong words and phrases that evoke emotion, exploiting, breaking her heart, risk his job and his life, second chance

Here’s another example of strong emotion in a synopsis. This example is from Veronica Mixon’s work-in-progress Changing Tides. This synopsis paragraph is at a major turning point in the plot.

Then Kate uncovers a lead to Joseph’s whereabouts, escapes Nathan’s security detail and heads to Albuquerque. Less than twelve hours later, a dejected Kate returns empty-handed only to learn her mother and Owen have been abducted. Desolate and heartbroken over her choice to leave her son for a few hours, Kate’s pain becomes unbearable when Erica convinces the authorities the abduction is simply a diversion Kate’s orchestrated. No one believes her, and Katetumbles into despondency. Then anger burns away her despair, and she turns to Nathan for help, only to find his shoulder has turned ice cold.

Lots of emotion, lots of power words, a strong sizzling synopsis.

Here’s another example from Caren Gallimore’s synopsis for her work-in-progress Wanted. This is an introduction to her tough-guy character, but her tough-guy still has emotions. :-)

Dakota Cabe was used to killing. His first kill was at the age of twelve when he sought revengefor his parent's death. Seeing the spunky Caitlyn Daniels attempt to hold her ground against nine of the Wakefield gang kicks in his protective instincts. After their brutal encounter with death, Dakota hides out at Caitlyn's ranch, andhe's surprisedby their connection that manifests into a love he can’t fight. But he knows theirlove is doomedas soon as the Sheriff investigates, makes his conclusions, and identifies Dakota as a wanted man. Dakota has two choices--leave town or allow Caitlyn to be linked to the shootout and a target for the Wakefield gang. He’s desperate to stay, but the choice is clear.

I hope these examples help show a synopsis can be sizzling and scintillating.

You too can write a sizzling and scintillating synopsis that catches the eye of agent and editors just like Kathy Cummings who participated in my May Synopsis class and received a contract this month. :-)

And if the timing isn’t quite right, I also offer private editing and synopsis building. Just email me at spurvis500@embarqmail.com .

I wish you the best in all your writing, but especially in building your synopsis so you can go forth and submit.

Feel free to share your woes or concerns or tips and strategies for synopses in the comments, and I’ll chime in.

Suzanne Purvis is a transplanted Canadian living in the Deep South, where she traded “eh” for “y’all.” An author of long, short, flash fiction for both children and adults, she has won several awards including those sponsored by the University of Toronto, RWA, Bethlehem Writer’s Roundtable, and Women Who Write. You can find her work in print anthologies, magazines, ezines, and ebooks. www.suzannepurvis.comShe leads workshops at Lawson Writer’s Academy and for Romance Writers of America, including her popular Sizzling, Scintillating Synopsis. She also works individually with writers on any aspect of their writing they are looking to improve. Feel free to email her at spurvis500@embarqmail.com and be added to her mailing list for upcoming classes.Next Sizzling Scintillating Synopsis Class will begin June 1st, 2017 at LWA.

I'm very excited and grateful for the RONE nomination for Unstoppable, Book 5 in the Fierce Hearts series. I would appreciate votes for my book if you feel so inclined. Visit InDtale RONE Voting Week 4 and vote. It's easy. You'll find Unstoppable under Short Paranormal in the fourth week of voting May 8 - 18.

Here's the book blurb and an excerpt.

Blurb:

Reeling from the recent Project Powering battle with the evil Nexus Group, were-lynx and veterinarian Lara Monroe struggles with thwarting the group's plans to eliminate her colony while dealing with her own traumatic past. Still, when her fellow colony cat - and secret crush - Booker Chase needs help, she's willing to use her special healing touch to help him survive his emotional hell.
A formidable were-lynx and a physician, Booker has his hands full helping patients who were seriously injured in the battle. But nothing can repair his soul, broken from the loss of his wife and the PTSD from his service in Afghanistan . . . or can it? Now that his good friend Lara is standing by him in his emotional struggles, he's finding there is more to their connection than he realized. But dare he open his heart?

In the epic conclusion of the Fierce Hearts series, the colony takes its biggest risk of all to shut down the Nexus Group forever - will Lara and Booker survive to take their second chance at love?

Excerpt:

Lara tuned out whatever Marcus was saying as he inserted the blade inside her mouth. She closed her eyes, focusing tightly on soothing the terrified little girl inside her that had quietly endured so much pain. She recited the phrase she’d used to take her out of her body in the times her uncle had molested her. Thank you for the birds that sing. Thank you, God, for everything.

Her eyes flew open and searing pain hardened her grip on the sides of the bed as Marcus sliced into her gum tissue. The affirmative phrase left her thoughts as her mind screamed. Or was that her shrill shriek pouring out of her mouth?

Marcus withdrew the scalpel, twirling it casually. Lara tasted blood on her tongue, oozing from the cut in her gums. Nausea swept through her.

Booker rocked in his chair. “Hang in there. Lara. I’m right here.”

Marcus snorted. “Not that you can help her. That is unless you tell me where I can find my son.” The tone of his voice was a sharp edge.

A steadying wave of Booker’s healing energy filled her. It calmed her frayed nerves enough that the panic robbing her breath lessened.

Marcus smirked again and bent over her, and another slice sent her mind thrashing for the words she’d memorized years ago. What is that damn phrase? Umm … Birdies sing, angels bring … oh hell. She glared at Marcus and hollered, long and loud.

The Write Way Café welcomes Loretta Moore and her book The Light of Day, a story that took seed from a lasting memory.

When did you first have the thought you'd like to write a book? Was that first thought related to writing romance?
I think interpreting life through imagination as a writer has always been with me, from a young girl on. As I think about it writing about ‘romance’ is always in the forefront, the basis for my novels, and always heavily incorporated in my novels.

What was your path to getting this book written and published? What type of research did you do?
I used a subject, a beautiful, sad young woman in a brothel, there against her will. I shopped THE LIGHT OF DAY around, but not very much before Extasy Books happened. I did no research, just used imagination, experience and observing life.Where did the idea for your story come from? THE LIGHT OF DAY reaches way back, maybe as far back as my teens. I happened across a storefront brothel then and what I saw never left my memory and became the subject many years later for my story.

Are your main characters completely imaginary or do they have some basis in real people? Do they reflect aspects of yourself?
Except for the character, Carlotta Rivera, none of the characters are based on real life. And even the character Carlotta Rivera is totally different from the girl I saw in the brothel storefront window since I have no idea who she was, or where she came from. I’d have to say even she’s imaginary.

What have been surprises you've encountered while writing the book and after?
I can’t say I recall any surprises while writing THE LIGHT OF DAY. The finished book, however, was surprisingly gratifying. I think it presents or presented a better story than when I began writing it.

What did you learn? For instance, what did you learn about yourself, your process, the writing world; about brothels, and being called into the ministry?
I don’t think I learned anything about myself. For me, most of the writing process deals with ‘discovery’ finding out who the people are in the story, and how they conduct their lives. The main characters, Michael Bradley and Carlotta consumed most of the writing process. The ‘writing world’ is an uncommon place, but it’s where I’ve always been. I think I love it! As for the brothel, I guess I had to think a lot about what life might be like for the women in that brothel storefront.What are you working on now?
I’m in the process of ‘editing’ my latest book with extasybooks.com, THE WAY OF LOVE.

If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be?
I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. However, when I was very young I had dreams of being an opera singer, so that’s it, that’s what I’d be.

Michael Bradley hasn't been able to find the way to express his deep love for Carlotta Rivera, something he's wanted to tell her for so long.From the day 19-year-old Michael Bradley sees a beautiful sad Mexican girl in a Chicago brothel storefront window, he can't get her out of his mind. He returns the next day, but she's not there, and the brothel has shut down. That very same day an unknowable force leads Reverend Robert Peterson to go to that area of town. He's moved when he sees the sad-looking girl in the shabby storefront. He and his wife come to the rescue of Carlotta Rivera.Attorney Michael Bradley is in the hospital after a fall on an icy pavement. He can't believe that his attending nurse is that girl he saw ten years before, Carlotta Rivera. What happiness! Michael yearns to express his long-held feelings for Carlotta, but he can't bring himself to do so. Also, he has to deal with his physician half-brother Duc Le and Ben Peterson, son of Reverend Peterson, who are interested in her. How does Michael respond to a Calling to go into the ministry?Available at: extasybooks.comdevinedestinies.com

About Loretta: I’m an African American female multi-published writer, residing in Dover, Delaware. Published works include:THE COLOR OF MURDER under contract with Black Opal Books, BOTTOM TALES AND OTHERS with Leo Publishing, THE LIGHT OF DAY and THE WAY OF LOVE both with Extasy Books. Other published works include poetry and essays, plus several plays published. Many of my ‘Plays’ have been stage productions-I’ve enjoyed a long-time association with the theatre. Ghostwriting is another area in which I work. I’ve also been published in several journals and magazines, and contribute to a church newsletter. I have a college degree in English, I have received literary and theatrical recognition, I belong to an honor society and other laudable organizations, and I volunteer in my community and my church. I frequently speak at venues doing readings of my work. I have LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and many other social contacts as well. My next writing project keeps me busy.Email me: vlmprod@aol.comLinkedIn: lorettamooreFacebook: wwwlorettamoorefacebook.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/MooViney

Determined to avoid the violence that claimed her family and friends, Carissa Elliott flees her hometown with a dangerous plan. She has proof that Calum DeMateo killed her father—now she just has to catch him. To do so, she’ll have to transform herself from small-town ingénue to New York crime boss.When her path crosses with Alec McLean, the sexy stranger with whom she once shared a steamy nightclub kiss, things take an unexpected turn. Alec heads his family’s criminal organization, the kind of made man Carissa should want nothing to do with. But he also has a plan to take down Calum, and the flames that flicker between them are irresistible.Will their vengeful quests jeopardize their chance at lasting love?AmazonBooks A MillionB&NGoogle BooksiBookKobo

J. L. Lora was born in Dominican Republic and came to the United States just at the age of 13. Her goal in life was always to be a writer. As a child, she told stories to her family and friends and wrote fiction about historic figures. Today, her stories explore the dark side of good characters, people who are backed into corners and how they react to it. She loves strong heroines and their equally powerful love interests. She currently lives in Maryland while pursuing her dream of writing compelling, sexy, can’t-put-down stories about empowered, badass heroines and take-your-breath-away heroes.Find J. L. Lora on Social Media:WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramGoogle+PinterestGoodreads

The Write Way Café welcomes Mary Martinez, author of The Beckett Series. Mary shares how an idea for one book grew into a series.

Where did the idea for your story come from?
It came from a documentary called The Bridge. And if I say more there will be spoilers.

Why did you pick the setting you did?
I don’t think I picked it. Brooklyn is where the Beckett’s come from. I honestly believe the setting picked me.

Tell us a little about The Beckett Series.
The Beckett Series started as one book. I had an idea, it was going to be called The Bridge. But then Tyler Beckett had five siblings and his parents, who they all call The Elders. Tyler started telling his story and I knew before I was half way through I would be writing a series. Disappear is Tyler Beckett’s story. Innocent is Jessica Beckett’s Story, Quiet is Christine Beckett’s story, Illusion is Reagan Beckett’s Story, Profit (my newest release) is Matt Beckett’s Story. And coming soon Abandoned is Glenna’s story. Reagan and Glenna are twins. They're referred to as The California Twins.

Are your main characters completely imaginary or do they have some basis in real people? Do they reflect aspects of yourself?
My characters have careers that I would like to have, anyway some of them do. All have a few aspects of people. But I’ve walked the Beckett neighborhoods and know their favorite places; they’re more friends than anything.

Did you face any blocks while writing the book, and if so, how did you handle them? If not, what's your secret?
My day job. It’s my biggest hurdle. My only secret is to grab writing time whenever I can. My critique partner takes one full Saturday as often as we can to go to Barnes and Noble and write all day. And every April we have a three-day writing retreat with another writing friend. And that was last weekend, April 7, 8, 9th. Obviously, I write at home also.

What have been surprises you've encountered while writing the book and after?
The Beckett’s are a stubborn lot and they’re determined to have their own way. On the surface, they’re any American family. Underneath they’ve all had their challenges. I’ve had to dig deep to deal with their issues. Their insecurities and the resolution with family.

What did you learn? For instance, what did you learn about yourself, your process, the writing world; about banking, and Federal Special Task Forces?
I found out that banking isn’t just loans, mortgages, deposits and withdrawals. There really is A World Banking Association. It’s called The World Bank Group and it has five entities. I built my WBA and its entities from that. They’re fictional but loosely based on them. I had no idea about any of that. As for the Federal Special Task Forces, I have a friend who is a Federal Agent and he helped me a lot. When I needed to do a bomb in Innocent he gave me the name of the Bomb Squad commander and I talked to him for over two hours. The scene when they have to defuse the bombs in Jessica’s room - it all came from him.

If Profit was made into a movie, who would play your main characters, and why?
You know I never thought about that part. Yes, I do dream of my books being made into movies, but I never think who would play the parts. But if I have to, Matt Beckett would be Ryan Reynolds and Bryn Connelly would be Jessica Chastain.

Tell us about your writing space and how or why it works for you.
I have an office with a big L-shaped desk, with a new desktop (my last one died of old age). I’m still learning how to do all the new programs. Like Adobe Photoshop elements it is supposed to be easy, just makes me feel dumb.

What are some of your favorite books and why?
Most of my current favorite books come from my book club. And I would never have picked them out, yet books like Lilac Girls and The Last Anniversary are awesome. On the romance side, I love a good Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, or Brenda Novak book.

What are you working on now?
I am working on Abandoned, book 6 of The Beckett Series.

If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be?
Master Chef, or actually I think they’re just called head chef, at a five-star restaurant in Bali or somewhere like that.

Profit: Utopia the ConclusionBook V The Beckett SeriesMatt Beckett is the Chief Financial officer for World Banking Association (WBA). Over a year ago an agency known as the HEAD group tried to take over the WBA. Matt's sister, Reagan Beckett, a member of a Federal Special Task Force took out one of the key players, a serial killer known as the Headman. Now the founder of HEAD, Andrew Phillips, is back and ready to finish what he'd started with a new and dastardly key player from the Dark web.

Matt doesn’t have any desire to be involved in any cloak and dagger stuff. He’d rather leave that to the other law enforcement Beckett’s. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like he'll have a choice.

Bryn Connelly is the Chief Audit Executive also for the WBA. She had been one of the Headman's targets and thought her days of danger were over. However, she finds herself working with laid back Matt Beckett, much to her dismay.

Matt couldn’t be more delighted when Reagan informs him he'll be working the lovely Bryn. He’s been trying to catch her eye for five years, now. However, their sleuthing quickly lands them in a precarious position.

It’s up to Matt and Bryn to finish what Reagan and her team started, but can he win the lovely Bryn and save the day? Or will he lose her forever if the WBA falls into the wrong hands?

Mary Martinez lives in Magna, a little town west of Salt Lake City, Utah. Together with her husband, she has six grown children, and six wonderful grandsons and five beautiful granddaughters. She loves to spend time with family and friends--she includes good books as friends!
Mary and her husband love to travel, especially to the Caribbean for relaxing, and Italy for the wine. And most recently she discovered she was Irish and Scottish, of course they had to visit Ireland and Scotland. Mary fell in love with both, but the green hills of Ireland felt like home. With the experience from the exotic places she has visited, she is able to fill her books with colorful descriptions of cities, painting a colorful backdrop for her characters. One of her favorite US destinations is New York/Brooklyn, where her beloved Beckett's live. When she visits, she can wander their neighborhoods, favorite parks, and visit their favorite pub, Putnum's.
They are avid concert ‘Ho’s’! Yes, they pretty much want to do them all. They love outdoor amphitheaters the best and attend as many during the warmer months as possible.
Mary writes mostly romantic suspense, romance, women's fiction, and she has just begun to dabble in young adult mystery. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA). During her writing career she has been a conference coordinator, workshop presenter, and chapter president for the Utah Chapter of RWA. In 2007 she was presented with the Utah RWA service award in acknowledgment and appreciation for outstanding service. Mary has also participated in numerous library panels on writing and co-presented a workshop on writing a series at the League of Utah Writers conference.
Mary and her husband are also enthusiastic college football fans. They have season tickets to the UTES, University of Utah Football and they tailgate every game. They love tailgating so much, that they were married at a tailgating in 1999. GO UTES!

My daughter and I spent Saturday binge-watching House Hunters on HGTV. It’s fun to see what housing options are available all across the country, in various price ranges. I also consider it research to observe the people featured – the different things they are looking for in a home, the way they treat their significant other, their facial expressions and responses to features that are more or less than those they are seeking.

As we watched, we talked about the different types of houses, about floor plans and decorating schemes that we found attractive. We discussed positives and negatives about contemporary versus modern designs, light colors versus dark colors, city living versus more rural areas. We laughed at some of the couples and their disagreements and were surprised by others.

I’ve always been fascinated with houses. I enjoy walking around town, especially in older neighborhoods, viewing exteriors and being curious about interiors. I’m interested in floor plans, decorating styles, and color schemes. I sometimes feel like a Peeping Tom, walking the neighborhoods and gazing at windows. I would love to see the inside of so many houses!

Lucky for me, our community hosts a Showcase of Homes most summers. The Showcase is an opportunity for area builders to show off a variety of architectural style homes with the latest in home innovations, styles, and decorating. Attendees tour the homes and get to vote on their favorite home at the Showcase entrance/exit tent. The Showcase homes are usually in the $300,000-$500,000 range. My daughter and I enjoy attending the event together and living vicariously through our own version of House Hunters.

I’ve also always been fascinated with people, and I believe homes can tell you a lot about a person. I wonder about the families residing in the homes, those in the old, established neighborhoods as well as those who will be moving into these new homes. What is their family dynamic? Who are they? What do they do for a living? What made them choose the homes they’ve chosen?

In this scene from my WIP, Fugitive Heart, the hero and heroine haven't seen each other in eight years, and he's been staking out her house, looking for a fugitive.

J.T. peered through the darkness, studying Dana’s house. It was time to move. He’d already wasted too many hours trying to avoid her, both tonight and in his past. Dana’s property would provide some evidence proving that his nephew Bobby had been there, or hinting at where he’d gone. And with any luck at all, Dana would never be the wiser.
Old feelings of inadequacy accompanied him across the street, beating in time with his pounding heart. Tall, thick hedges lining the perimeter of her yard warned him, much as they had when he was a 17-year-old kid coming to pick up his date. Keep out. He’d ignored the warning, but his father’s words had been harder to shake. You’re not good enough for her, boy.
Damn his father for making him doubt Dana’s love, and for making him doubt himself, even now. For God’s sake, he was a successful investigator. He could do this.
He wasn’t here for Dana. He was here to help Liz by finding her son. He crept up the paved driveway past the hedges and into the narrow strip of grass next to the house. He’d come too far to quit now.
He paused in the shadows of the house to listen. The breath he'd been holding floated briefly in the cool air, a cloud of white against the dark of night, and then it dissipated into nothing. He shivered and adjusted the collar of his leather jacket around his neck, an uneasy feeling gnawing at his gut.
Staying close to the house, he kept moving. There was no time for second thoughts.
Near the back door, two chest-high windows were dark. Cautiously, he peered in. Neon blue microwave lights shouted at him from the darkness. 10:37.
Ignoring the whisper of doubt telling him it was too early, J.T. darted from the house to the side of the garage a few feet away. Someone had painted the small windows of the big doors with black paint, and the side door was padlocked. He glanced around as he dug his lock picks out of his pocket.

What is your impression of the heroine, based on this scene from my hero’s POV? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Write Way Café welcomes Lisa Hahn, author of Sweet. Her writing makes a beautiful pointe.When did you first have the thought you'd like to write a book? Was that first thought related to writing romance?
I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was young. For a while, I wrote short stories and submitted them to literary magazines with no luck. During this time, I read a popular romance and thought I’d try writing one. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the genre.

What was your path to getting this book written and published? What type of research did you do?
I used to be a ballet dancer, so I knew a fair amount about the discipline going into the book. I did a little bit of research into the different roles people play in larger companies since my experience was with small performing groups.Where did the idea for your story come from?
There are a lot of fairytale re-tellings out right now, and I liked the idea of rooting your plot in a pre-existing story. I’d wanted to write a ballet book for a while and eventually came up with the idea of basing a series on different ballets.

Why did you pick the setting you did?
I love upstate New York. My family has a vacation cabin on Lake Champlain, so the region has always been special to me. I thought it would be the perfect place to for a small ballet company.

Tell us about your writing space and how or why it works for you.
I write in my family room. I leave the NFL Network on for background noise. My dogs also hang out with me all day. I think it works because it’s comfortable in a familiar sort of way.What are some of your favorite books and why?To Kill a Mockingbird, Catcher in the Rye, and The Great Gatsby are all favorites of mine. When I was a high school English teacher, these were the ones I always looked forward to reading with my students. I’m a sucker for heartbreakingly sympathetic characters, and all these stories have at least one. I also love Slaughterhouse-Five and Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut. He’s funny and prophetic, both of which are attributes I’m jealous of as a writer. The Hunger Games, The Raven Cycle, and the Fifth Wave series are my favorite YA books. In terms of romance, I like any historical romance by Lisa Kleypas. I can’t even pick my favorite series she’s written, let alone my favorite book. Courtney Milan is a close second.

What are you working on now?
A couple of things. I’m working on Cinders, the next installment in the Bretton Falls Ballet series. This book is loosely based off the Cinderella ballet and it features the heroine’s best friend from Sweet. Also, I’m almost done with my first historical romance, a western set in 1970s Montana.Would you like to try your hand at writing a different genre? Which one and why?
I want to write a YA book my nephew can read someday. I have an idea, but I’m so busy with romance right now to develop it. He’s still just two, so I have time.

If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be?
Being a writer is my dream job. For a few years now, I’ve wanted to start a vegan recipe blog. I haven’t done it yet, but I have a bunch recipes written up. I hope to get around to it someday.

What aspect of writing gives you the most trouble?
I have an uncanny ability to say something simple in the most words possible.

Cat Brown spends the first six years of her career as one of the lowest-ranking members of the Bretton Falls Ballet. Despite the dancer’s indisputable talent, artistic director Lillian Smith insists Cat is too short for a leading role. When Lillian is forced to retire, world-renowned ballet dancer Dmitri Fedorov takes over and casts Cat as the premier performer in his first production with the company. Cat struggles to fend off a host of distractions as she prepares for the most important role of her career: the most insurmountable of which is her instant attraction to the new boss.
Dmitri, once known for his theatrical performances and womanizing proclivities, disappears into seclusion after a horrific car accident shatters his knee and renders him unable to dance. Looking to escape the constant reminders of how far he’s fallen, Dmitri escapes to Bretton Falls in hopes of elevating the small ballet company there to international prestige. The task proves to be more challenging than Dmitri had bargained for when his surprising interest in Cat Brown becomes fodder for gossip among the company.
Cat and Dmitri both have a lot riding on their upcoming production of The Nutcracker, knowing that their careers depend upon the outcome. However, the biggest challenge they face will be staying away from one another.

About Lisa: Lisa Hahn writes romance novels across multiple sub-genres. She’s interested in stories that take place in either small towns or strange worlds, and she strives to create honest, passionate characters her readers can relate to.
Lisa didn’t start writing romance novels until her late twenties. As a child, she often penned plays for her friends to perform and progressed to writing short stories by middle school. Armed with her love of literature and her dream of one day being a writer, Lisa graduated from a small liberal arts school with a BA in English. A year later, she graduated again with an MAT in English. Lisa taught for several years, sneaking away to her desk to jot down ideas for new stories every chance she got. After receiving more rejections from literary magazines than she could count, Lisa decided to give a romance novel a try. Now she can’t imagine herself writing anything else.
Currently, Lisa and her husband live in northern New Jersey with their two dogs (Jonas and Cassie) and their cat (Blueberry). When she’s not writing, Lisa can be found reading, practicing yoga, working out, watching professional wrestling, stitching a piece of embroidery, making/eating vegan food, and rooting for the Seattle Seahawks.

Michael Bradley hasn't been able to find the way to express his deep love for Carlotta Rivera, something he's wanted to tell her for so long.From the day 19-year-old Michael Bradley sees a beautiful sad Mexican girl in a Chicago brothel storefront window, he can't get her out of his mind. He returns the next day, but she's not there, and the brothel has shut down. That very same day an unknowable force leads Reverend Robert Peterson to go to that area of town. He's moved when he sees the sad-looking girl in the shabby storefront. He and his wife come to the rescue of Carlotta Rivera.Attorney Michael Bradley is in the hospital after a fall on an icy pavement. He can't believe that his attending nurse is that girl he saw ten years before, Carlotta Rivera. What happiness! Michael yearns to express his long-held feelings for Carlotta, but he can't bring himself to do so. Also, he has to deal with his physician half-brother Duc Le and Ben Peterson, son of Reverend Peterson, who are interested in her. How does Michael respond to a Calling to go into the ministry?Available at: extasybooks.comdevinedestinies.com

About Loretta: I’m an African American female multi-published writer, residing in Dover, Delaware. Published works include: THE COLOR OF MURDER under contract with Black Opal Books, BOTTOM TALES AND OTHERS with Leo Publishing, THE LIGHT OF DAY and THE WAY OF LOVE both with Extasy Books. Other published works include poetry and essays, plus several plays published. Many of my ‘Plays’ have been stage productions-I’ve enjoyed a long-time association with the theatre. Ghostwriting is another area in which I work. I’ve also been published in several journals and magazines, and contribute to a church newsletter. I have a college degree in English, I have received literary and theatrical recognition, I belong to an honor society and other laudable organizations, and I volunteer in my community and my church. I frequently speak at venues doing readings of my work. I have LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and many other social contacts as well. My next writing project keeps me busy.Email me: vlmprod@aol.comLinkedIn: lorettamooreFacebook: wwwlorettamoorefacebook.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/MooViney